It's no secret that Berks County has ties to one of the biggest stars in the music industry, but who knew she still cared so much about her hometown?

Taylor Swift, who was recently named entertainer of the year by The Associated Press, refers to Wyomissing as her hometown on her Web site and in interviews. The 20-year-old star even claims she got her start in the music industry when she sang karaoke at a local fair.

Swift attended Wyomissing schools for about three years, district officials said. And, based on a recent gift, she must have pleasant memories of her time there.

Swift recently donated $25,000 to the school district for educational purposes. The school board announced the gift at a meeting Monday.

"It's really exciting to see a former student give a generous gift like this," school board President Michelle M. Davis said.

The donation is part of $250,000 Swift has pledged to various schools she attended to pay for educational projects, books or supplies.

Swift started in the Wyomissing School District in fourth or fifth grade, school officials said, and remained through eighth grade.

"I think the fact that we got 10 percent shows she valued the education she received at Wyomissing," board member Angel L. Helm said.

The district hasn't decided what it will do with the money, but board members said they planned to keep Swift in the loop and let her know exactly what the money buys.

They even discussed taking an ad in the program for the spring musical, in which Taylor took part when she was a Wyomissing student.

The ad would announce the donation and how the district decided to use the money. A copy would then be sent to Swift as a thank you and a reminder of her school days.

Helm, who said she spoke to Taylor's dad about the donation, was touched by the singer's generosity but not surprised.

"I think it's really special," she said. "It just speaks to Taylor's character as a young woman. She's awesome."